The Time Has Come

Tonight Central Baptist will celebrate one of my most favorite worship services of the year, Christmas Eve.

I am on record with my personal dislike for the Christmas Shopping Season 1, and this leaves a number of people assuming I’m a grinch. I am not.

The truth is, I adore Christmas. The wonder of the Incarnation, and the very idea of a weak light daring to flare against the darkness, are some of the high points of Christian theology. Add to that the lyrics of songs such as “Joy to the World” and “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” and I get chills.

On Christmas, Jesus disciples have a chance to reaffirm that our faith begins with fragility and weakness. We get to light our feeble candles and declare,

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 2

In a world where we are once more being deceived into believing “strength is might” Christmas stands as a reminder of a better way. Strength can only emerge from weakness, and can only truly be expressed through love and service.